In gathering together Christians become part of the mystical body of Christ.I came to know something more about that today. This was Matt's well-deserved vacation Sunday. Jon, Shirley, Toni, Janice, Luka and I stepped up to be part of what turned into a strong, spirit-filled congregational singalong.
"Creator Music" has fascinated me for a long time. Particularly now in our time of transition to a new pastor. In conversations and surveys our Transition team has consistently found that, besides the congregational hospitality, music was what drew people to, and kept them at, Creator.
I am one of those people and, even as I contribute as a musician, I find it hard to adequately describe a particular magic or all the threads that come together when we worship. I am not sure that it is possible to completely do this but this week I did have some insights because of the preparation and worship for this Memorial Day.
First there was the the music selection. Classic, well-known and well-loved hymns were specifically chosen for this occasion and were, for the most part, guitar friendly. Those of us doing that selection did not rely exclusively on what the congregation normally sings on a Sunday. Without concern we dived into a deeper, richer connection of a past we do not collectively share through Creator. We relied on our member's many individual experiences of singing in whatever past settings made the selections initially familiar to each of us. This strongly affirmed a central element of the mystical body of Christ that extends beyond one little church on Sunnyside.
I believe we all felt that resonate in Sunday's music to a degree.
After the selection comes the elusive mystery of practicing for Sunday. I'm sure Matt and the other instrumentalists and singers feel this too. Imagining how a piece will come together on Sunday and what actually happens feel very different and yet they are intertwined in a weird, wonderful way. The difference in meaning between what you explore in a selection individually and how that will blend with other contributions depends on the collective understanding of everyone regarding the selection and the team gathered at the run-through just prior to the service.
How it all blends depends on the team composition up in front of the congregation. This was a Sunday when initially a work conflict prevented me from committing to playing guitar. We attempted to reach out for piano players but could not get a commitment there. Then a fellow workers asked to switch on call weeks with me and I found I could help. Toni was free to play guitar, Luka on drums and our strong singers Jon, Shirley and Janice volunteered to sing. There was something about how all that happened and fell into place that did not feel arbitrary
The magic of the run-through is unique. Though I have participated for years; just how quickly there is agreement reached and arrangements set in those minutes before the service, despite the make up of the group, always and continually amazes me.
Finally, today the congregation's participation in singing was staggering. All of us in front could feel the deep, present connection the congregation made with the music and the past. Creator's musicians and music has changed in many ways from when I first walked in the door and I have sometimes wondered what is more important, the professionalism of the music which we have enjoyed or the participation nurtured in raising our voices in worship?
Is the variety of the music the congregation explores or the familiarity of what we continue to sing a key component in the vibrancy of the music? Does the pastoral comfort of a traditional selection or the vitality of a prophetic new music resonate more deeply?
These all are threads in the musical tapestry of what keeps "Creator Music" alive. Today the "what keeps me at Creator" spirit of music was confirmed by all our voices singing to God and feeling blessed.
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